It didn’t take long for the news of an undocumented immigrant’s arrest in the brutal murder of a nursing student at the University of Georgia to ignite a political firestorm.
As a shaken Athens campus spent Monday mourning the death of 22-year-old Laken Hope Riley, who investigators say was killed last week by Venezuelan migrant Jose Antonio Ibarra while she was out for her morning run, political leaders spent the day engaging in an already-heated debate over immigration policies.
Several prominent Georgia Republicans immediately pointed the finger at the federal government and called on President Joe Biden to crack down on immigration at the U.S./Mexico border.
“Laken’s death is a direct result of failed policies on the federal level and an unwillingness by this White House to secure the southern border,” said Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, an Athens native and UGA alum. He is requesting key details from the White House on Ibarra’s criminal history and immigration status.
U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, a Republican whose northeast Georgia congressional district includes the liberal college community, said that the “blood of Laken Riley is on the hands” of President Biden and federal immigration officials. He also says that the state legislature needs to crack down on so-called “sanctuary” cities and counties. Though they are largely banned in Georgia, Athens is one of three jurisdictions “that obstruct immigration enforcement and shield criminals from ICE,” according to the Center of Immigration Studies.
Georgia Democrats, meanwhile, warned their Republican counterparts against using Riley’s death to score political points. “I am disappointed in Republicans using this tragedy as a way to paint all immigrants, documented or not, as villains,” says state Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D-Duluth). “We all want safety for our loved ones. Full stop.”
The tragedy has also made its way into the presidential election, where immigration is set to be a dominating issue. Former President Donald Trump highlighted the incident in a post on his social media platform, and a spokesman for President Biden has offered condolences to Riley’s family on behalf of the White House.
The two leaders are set to make dueling visits to the southern border this week.
Back at home, legislative leaders at the Gold Dome are said to be debating several changes to state and local immigration policies. But they are in a race against the clock with the 2024 legislative session entering its final month.
One plan being debated would deny bond to any illegal immigrant charged with violent crimes. Another would crack down on local government officials who skirt federal immigration policy.
The tragedy is also set to renew the focus on Deborah Gonzalez, the Athens district attorney whose office has been plagued by staff shortages, low morale and case backlogs. DA Gonzalez said that she has tapped veteran prosecutor Sheila Ross to argue for the state at Ibarra’s trial.
“Our hearts and our work are with [Riley’s] family and friends during this difficult time,” Gonzalez said in a statement Monday announcing Ross’ hiring. “We will not allow this case or any other case to be used for political gain.”
But Republicans have not kept quiet with their worries about Gonzalez and her office’s ability to secure a conviction in the case.
“I have a real concern about her ability to handle this case,” said State Rep. Houston Gaines, a Republican from Athens. “She’s not ready to handle this case.”
A longtime critic of Gonzalez’s, Gaines has championed laws that would expand state oversight on local district attorneys. He is now supporting a measure that would allow residents to sue their city for tax refunds if they don’t believe officials are enforcing immigration laws.
Riley’s family spoke publicly for the first time over the weekend, honoring the slain student as “amazing daughter, sister and friend.”
"During this most difficult time, we ask that you respect our privacy, and provide us the time and space necessary to grieve our daughter's life that was tragically cut short.”